Addressing the limitations of age determination for unaccompanied minors: A way forward. (September 2018)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Kenny, Mary Anne; Loughry, Maryanne
• Is Part Of: Children and youth services review. Volume 92(2018)
• Page Start: 15
• Page End: 21
• Publication Date: 2018-09
• Subjects: Social work with children -- Periodicals; Social work with youth -- Periodicals; Adolescent -- Periodicals; Child Welfare -- Periodicals; Social Work -- Periodicals; Service social aux enfants -- Périodiques; Service social à la jeunesse -- Périodiques; Electronic journals; 362.705
• DOI: 10.1016/j.childyouth.2018.05.002
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0190-7409

Abstract

Abstract: The number of unaccompanied children seeking asylum has increased in recent years. Many unaccompanied children and young people arriving in countries seeking asylum lack official documents showing their identity and age. Chronological age is important as it is linked to where an individual will be initially housed and what services, supports, and legal processes they are entitled to receive. This article provides an overview of age assessment procedures used in industrialized countries. Many different methods are used; however, no currently available method has been demonstrated to have sufficient accuracy and there is a large margin of error. The consequences for young asylum seekers assessed to be 18 years or older is that they will no longer be considered as children and therefore not receive special protection in accordance with the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child. The article suggests a psychosocial approach that recognizes young people's transition into adulthood. Supports and serves should be provided on the basis of assessed strengths, needs, and vulnerabilities of the individual rather than on an assessed chronological age. Highlights: The article considers the use of procedures to assess age of unaccompanied children seeking asylum. An analysis of age determination procedures in industrialized countries is provided. Proposes a 'transition category' - focus less on chronological age but on individual strengths, needs and vulnerabilities.